HORTONVILLE — Ahead of the upcoming Aug. 11 primary election, 56th Assembly District voters are getting a closer look at the two Democratic candidates vying for a spot on the November ballot.
Hortonville resident and civic volunteer Julie Arendt Vanden Heuvel recently submitted a six-question survey to Democratic candidates Grace Abitz and Shawna Riley to give voters a clearer picture of their backgrounds, legislative priorities, and approaches to state issues.
According to Arendt Vanden Heuvel, the questionnaire was designed to allow each candidate to explain their positions for the benefit of local residents. Both candidates were asked to limit their responses to 150 words or fewer per question.
The responses below are published verbatim as submitted by the candidates, with minor adjustments made only for formatting consistency.
Question 1: Background and Experience
What should voters know about your education, professional experience, and community involvement that has prepared you to serve as an effective and productive member of the Wisconsin State Assembly?
Abitz: I attended parochial grade school and Fox Valley Lutheran HS in Appleton. I went to UW-Green Bay where I studied Environmental Design with a minor in Business. Bolstering public school funding is imperative as they are the cornerstone of communities. Let's fund public education first with a sustainable approach, and then have conversations on how to best support private schools. Having a parochial background will allow me to build relationships with families in that community and assure them parents will have options. Public schools serving vulnerable students are my priority.
Owning and operating a coffeeshop for 10 years has prepared me for public service. Familiarity and consistency builds trust. Details matter, we need to listen to what is hurting in communities and what's working well. Serving on the Hortonville Village Board from 2023-2025 exposed me to decision making processes.
Riley: I believe these seats belong to the people. For too long, we've voted in polished politicians who know how to say the right things but don't always understand the everyday struggles working families face. Wisconsin needs representatives who have lived the experiences of the people they serve.
I am a lifelong factory worker, former union representative, mother and grandmother. I know what it means to lose a job when a factory closes. Worry about putting food on the table while navigating systems like SNAP, Badgercare, workers' compensation and FMLA while trying to care for my family.
When my daughter was 17 and battling cancer, I continued working while she was on a ventilator, not knowing if she would come home. Those experiences shaped why I'm running.
I'm not bringing just a title or a résumé. I'm bringing a lifetime of experience. Working families deserve a voice at the table from someone who understands their challenges because I've lived them.
Question 2: Shared Revenue and Local Government Funding
Wisconsin's shared revenue system is a major source of funding for cities, villages, towns, and counties, but many local governments still say they struggle to pay for basic services without raising property taxes or cutting programs. What changes, if any, would you make to the Wisconsin state's shared revenue system to better support local communities while ensuring accountability for taxpayer dollars?
Abitz: While attending regular village and town board meetings across District 56, I see local governments struggling to fund roads, ambulance services, water service infrastructure, internet access, culverts, winter plowing, and more.
Understanding how we got to this point is key. Data from Wisconsin Towns Association in 2023 states, "In 1911, 90% of state revenue was directed to local governments. Today, less than 10% of state revenue is directed to local governments. Since 2003, if county and municipal aids had kept up with inflation it would be funded with $1.5 billion, 100.7% more than is available today." The budget in 2003 was Republican led and heavily debated, Governor Jim Doyle signed with partial vetos in place. During the 20 year freeze, ignoring and delaying funding led us to where we are today. Catching up. A serious and long-term revamp in budgeting is vital.
Riley: We have to completely repeal all voucher legislation including Wisconsin statutes 118.60, and 119.23, and any other local municipalities statutes. I would draft legislation ending new enrollment in voucher programs, phase out existing vouchers, redirect voucher funds into public school equalization aid, special education aid, rural school aid, and require that taxpayer-funded schools meet the same transparency, accountability, and admissions standards as public schools if they continue receiving public funds for students with disabilities.
I'm also in favor of cannabis legalization. It's estimated that it could generate over $258 million annually in Wisconsin by 2030. Legalization could also create thousands of jobs in cultivation, processing, retail, and testing. Reduce law enforcement and court costs associated with marijuana possession offenses. Keep consumer spending in Wisconsin instead of neighboring states, and most importantly give cancer and chronically ill patients an option of natural medicine. When my daughter was on cancer treatments she was prescribed multiple pain medications to help manage her suffering. I understand the importance of making sure patients have access to the medications they need while also supporting responsible prescribing practices and addressing the opioid crisis in our communities. Cannabis needs to be explored as a pathway to healing.
Question 3: Addressing Climate Change
Climate change is already affecting Wisconsin through more frequent flooding, extreme weather, and impacts on agriculture and public health. What are your top three priorities for addressing climate change in Wisconsin, and what legislation would you introduce or support to achieve those goals?
Abitz:
Riley: We need legislation that both reduces emissions and helps our communities prepare for the impacts we're already seeing.
One step I would support is implementing a statewide vehicle emissions inspection program. Fourteen states already require some form of emissions testing, and ensuring that the highest-polluting vehicles are repaired or removed from the road is a practical way to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Wisconsin should do its part to reduce pollution.
We also need to continue expanding clean energy by investing in solar and wind power. I support increasing access to community solar programs so renters, apartment residents can also benefit from clean and affordable energy.
Reducing waste should be another priority. Expanding recycling and composting programs can keep more material out of landfills, lower methane emissions, and create opportunities for local communities to manage waste more sustainably.
Finally, farmers must be part of the solution, not burdened by it. Rather than imposing new mandates, I support voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs that reward farmers for protecting Wisconsin's land and water. Programs such as conservation tax credits, soil health grants, cover crop incentives, nutrient management assistance, and agricultural drainage and wetland restoration can improve profitability while reducing runoff and improving water quality. Wisconsin farmers have too often gotten the short end of the stick in Madison. They deserve policies that recognize they are essential partners in protecting our environment while keeping agriculture strong for future generations.
Question 4: Affordability and Cost of Living
What specific legislation or funding priorities would you support to help lower the cost of food, utilities, and health care for Wisconsin residents? Please explain how your proposals would improve affordability and access, and how they would be funded.
Abitz: Overturning the Citizens United vs FEC case is a great start in restoring agency to constituents and taxpayers. Right now, we are beholden to laws and policies that protect big money and give huge tax breaks to corporations. I see my utility bills increase sharply over the past couple years. WEC Energy Group exists to profit and exploit us. When social welfare programs were cut by the Big Beautiful Bill, that money went directly to tax cuts for the ultra wealthy. We have these chronic issues with food, energy, rural hospital closures, and healthcare cost instability because the middle/lower class is not being looked after. Billionaires, and big corporations with multi billion dollar profits need to pay their fair share.
Riley: I support strengthening Wisconsin's consumer protection laws by giving the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection greater authority to investigate and enforce price gouging. Businesses that take advantage of disasters or supply shortages by charging excessive prices should be held accountable. And in my opinion we've never recovered from the COVID era price gouging.
I also support increasing transparency throughout the food supply chain so consumers, farmers, and policymakers can better identify where excessive markups are occurring. Wisconsin farmers are often paid less while families pay more at the grocery store. We should encourage fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices that drive up prices.
To help keep grocery prices affordable over the long term, I would invest in Wisconsin's local food systems by expanding farm to school, farm to food pantry, and local processing initiatives. Keeping more food production and processing in Wisconsin reduces transportation costs, strengthens family farms.
I support raising wages for working Wisconsinites through policies that strengthen workers' ability to earn a fair paycheck. That includes increasing Wisconsin's minimum wage, restoring collective bargaining rights so workers can negotiate better pay and benefits, and investing in apprenticeship and workforce training programs that lead to higher paying careers.
Question 5: Budget Priorities and Funding State Needs
Given competing budget priorities and ongoing calls for tax cuts, how would you prioritize funding for state needs such as child care, health care, infrastructure, senior care, and teacher shortages? What specific spending or revenue changes would you support?
Abitz: While following the current Public Education crisis in WI, I learned about an Assembly representative from the Madison area, Ryan Clancy, who authored legislation in December of 2025 to address all of these issues. The Funding Fairness bill is a comprehensive approach to make our state funding work for us. In a WISpolitics article, Clancy says, "Our schools and children - and anyone who pays property taxes or rent - have suffered under this system for decades; we have the responsibility to change it. As the gap between the very rich and the rest of us widens, asking the wealthiest among us to chip in - to reduce property tax bills and to fund vital local services - just makes sense. I'm grateful to be able to provide that option to folks all across the state." This approach is bold and necessary, I support it.
Riley: To pay for these priorities we must close tax loopholes, ensuring large corporations and Wisconsin billionaires are paying their fair share. Regulated cannabis legalization, which could provide additional funding while creating jobs and reducing unnecessary criminal justice costs.
We also need to look at our criminal justice system. Investing in mental health and addiction treatment can reduce incarceration costs and improve public safety.
Tax cuts should not come at the expense of the services that working families depend on. The goal should be a balanced budget that provides relief where possible while making the investments needed to keep Wisconsin affordable, competitive, and a place where families can thrive.
Question 6: Bipartisanship and Political Division
Political division can make it difficult to build support both within a party and across party lines. How would you unite Democrats in the 56th Assembly District, broaden support among independents and new voters, and work with members of both parties to find common ground?
Abitz: I would unite folks from different political backgrounds by showing up in their community spaces to identify what's working well and what needs extra attention. Being consistent, present and available is step 1 in building trust with folks in District 56. I would build relationships with Republicans and Independents, we can show the general public we are willing to work together and learn from each other. Ignoring and delaying funding has hurt our communities far too long, it's time to put our heads together to get legislation passed that strengthens vital infrastructure in rural communities. To me that looks like forming friendships and finding common ground with Republican constituents and representatives so they're inspired to support mutually beneficial legislation.
Riley: Assembly District 56 is a Republican district. There aren't enough Democrat votes for a win here. It will take a candidate who understands this community, has lived its challenges, and has earned the trust of the people who call it home. After talking to folks they are tired of feeling like a political talking point or like someone is coming in to "save" them. They resonate with me because I've been fighting alongside them.
I grew up in rural Wisconsin. These are not strangers to me. These are the families, neighbors, and communities I've known my entire life. We've worked together, raised our families together, and faced challenges together.
When I sit down with voters, I'm not pretending to know their struggles. I'm one of them. I understand what it means to work hard, worry about rising costs, care for your family, and want leaders who actually represent us.
That's why this campaign is building the bipartisan support needed to win.
Working-class communities deserve a representative who truly understands them and that's exactly the message I'm taking to Madison. Regardless of party I will be a voice for the people.
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